2016 Hospitality Education Scholarship

Every year, IFWTWA selects a promising student preparing for employment in the food, wine, travel or hostelry industries to receive the Hospitality Education Scholarship Award. The winner of the 2016 award is Gunnar Mang, a culinary student at Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) in Coos Bay, Oregon. Gunnar’s expected graduation date is June, 2018. At 18, Gunnar is a promising student looking forward to a career as a chef.

When asked why he chose to pursue a profession in the culinary field, Gunnar responded, “I chose a culinary profession because, much like math, food can be understood and enjoyed by people all around the world. That means that no matter where I am, I’ll always be able to please those around me.” He added, “I’m great with people, and even better with a knife.”
Shawn Hanlin, Executive Director of OCCI said, “Gunnar is a student who is not only worthy of receiving the scholarship, he also has the need. He is very grateful for the scholarship.”

OCCI received a scholarship check to be applied to Gunnar’s education expenses. Gunnar received a Hospitality Education Scholarship Award certificate.

IFWTWA is grateful to those members who voluntarily donated to the IFWTWA Hospitality Education Scholarship fund. Members wishing to donate to the 2017 award fund may contact Allen Cox at allen@ifwtwa.org.

One of the specific purposes of IFWTWA is to provide scholarships for students preparing themselves for employment in the food, wine, travel, and hostelry industries, and to provide funds to those educational organizations furthering the development and progress of those industries. The Hospitality Education Scholarship is designed to serve that purpose of the organization and serve the industries IFWTWA support.